Diabetes Types

Statistics are pointing to an explosion in the occurrence  of Diabetes in our modern society.

Before looking for a cure for diabetes it is important to understand what the disease entails and how it affects the body.

Diabetes is a disease that affects the levels of insulin in a person's body. There are three Diabetes Types, these are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. They all relate directly to the insulin levels and how our body functions under this altered state.

A basic overview on Diabetes Types

1. Type 1 diabetes

The auto immune system of sufferers of Type 1 Diabetes is seen to be attacking and reducing the pancreatic beta cells from producing the necessary insulin that is needed by the body to function properly. When the pancreas is not functioning as it should the production of natural insulin is reduced below optimum levels or is halted altogether, this has dangerous implications for other functions of the body.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Being the most common form of the disease, type 2 diabetes actually accounts for more than 90% of all cases of diabetes.  This disease causes the body to stop making or properly using insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy.  Eventually, if a person is suffering from this disease, their body will stop producing insulin.  Unfortunately, it is not yet known why this happens.  However, genetics and environmental factors do play a role.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs only with women and only during pregnancy. Unlike Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes has no recognizable symptoms.  The only way to know if you have it is through regular blood screenings throughout your term.  These screenings are blood tests where you have to fast overnight, then are given a sugary drink to see how your body reacts.  You need two positive readings before you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

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